Lensfree holographic microscopy using wetting films

Abstract

A method of imaging a sample includes forming a monolayer wetting layer over a sample containing objects therein. A plurality of lower resolution images are obtained of the sample interposed between an illumination source and an image sensor, wherein each lower resolution image is obtained at discrete spatial locations. The plurality of lower resolution images of the sample are converted into a higher resolution image. One or more of an amplitude image and a phase image are reconstructed of the objects contained within the sample.

1 . A method of imaging a sample comprising:
 forming a monolayer wetting layer over a sample containing objects therein;   obtaining a plurality of lower resolution images of sample interposed between an illumination source and an image sensor, wherein each lower resolution image is obtained at discrete spatial locations;   converting the plurality of lower resolution images of the sample into a higher resolution image; and   reconstructing at least one of an amplitude image and a phase image of the objects contained within the sample.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the objects contained in the sample comprise cells. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the cells comprise sperm cells or blood cells. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the objects comprise protozoa, bacteria, or viruses. 
     
     
         6 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the objects comprise particles having a size within the range of about 0.05 μm to about 500 μm. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein forming the monolayer wetting layer comprises vibrating the sample. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein vibration of the sample comprises manually shaking the sample disposed on a sample holder. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein forming the monolayer wetting layer comprises dissolving the sample in a liquid polymer. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein forming the monolayer wetting layer comprises dissolving the sample in polyethylene glycol (PEG). 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the sample is dissolved in a buffer along with between 1-50% PEG (by weight). 
     
     
         14 . A method of imaging a sample comprising:
 forming a monolayer wetting layer over a sample containing objects therein;   interposing the sample between an illumination source and an image sensor;   illuminating the sample with the illumination source; and   obtaining an image of the sample with the image sensor.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the objects contained in the sample comprise cells. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the cells comprise sperm cells or blood cells. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the objects comprise protozoa, bacteria, or viruses. 
     
     
         19 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the objects comprise particles having a size within the range of about 0.05 μm to about 500 μm. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein forming the monolayer wetting layer comprises vibrating the sample. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein vibration of the sample comprises manually shaking the sample disposed on a sample holder. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein forming the monolayer wetting layer comprises dissolving the sample in a liquid polymer. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein forming the monolayer wetting layer comprises dissolving the sample in polyethylene glycol (PEG). 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the sample is dissolved in a buffer along with between 1-50% PEG (by weight).